What the Hell?

12/09/2006 - 9:34:31 AM

Stingrays killed and mutilated after Irwin death

Up to 10 stingrays have been found dead and mutilated on Australia’s eastern coast since “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin was killed by one of the animals last week, an official said today, prompting concerns of revenge attacks on the normally docile fish.

The popular television star was killed last week when a stingray barb pierced his chest as he filmed a TV show off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The dead stingrays have been discovered on two beaches in Queensland state, including two that were found today with their tails lopped off, said state fisheries department official Wayne Sumpton.

Sumpton said fishermen who inadvertently caught the diamond-shaped rays sometimes cut off their tails to avoid being stung, but the practice was uncommon.

Michael Hornby, executive director of Irwin’s conservation group Wildlife Warriors, said he was concerned the rays were being hunted and killed in retaliation for the TV star’s death.

“We just want to make it very clear that we will not accept and not stand for anyone who’s taken a form of retribution. That’s the last thing Steve would want,” he said.

Who, in any recess of their tiny brain, would think it was ok to kill sting rays in revenge for the death of a Conservationist?! Steve Irwin must be turning in his grave. How can this world turn their back on his messages like this? It hurts me to think that people could be so malicious and destructive... It seems there is still a lot of work to do, I just hope I can fill part of his footsteps. I was pondering my career earlier and thought just how nice it would be if, within my lifetime, I could put myself out of a job. But things like this remind me just how far we have to go.